Quebec premier concerned about economic consequences of Brexit vote

MONTREAL — The premier of the Canadian province that has survived two separation votes is urging the British to vote No on leaving the European Union.

Philippe Couillard said Monday that he has concerns about the ripple effect on the global economy from a Brexit vote this week.

While he acknowledged the decision is up to the British people, Couillard said he's concerned about the impact on Europe, the British economy and the world economy.

He said he hopes the British "stick with stability and a common model rather than fragmenting what has largely been a success story until now."

Quebec voted against separation in 1980 and 1995.

Couillard joins Canada's top British diplomat, who warned Brexit could cause a "generational" economic impact.

Canadian High Commissioner Gordon Campbell said the British public needs to confront the fact that if they vote to leave the EU, it will disrupt not only their country, but the world at large, wreaking havoc on the global economy for a generation.

Campbell also warned that a British decision to leave could stall the implementation of the Canada-EU free trade deal and imperil the jobs of thousands of Canadians working in hundreds of British companies.